Dialectical distinctions remain between Slovene, Croatian, and Serbian sign language, with separate (as well as unified) dictionaries being published. These varieties are reported to be mutually intelligible, but the actual amount of variation, and the degree to which the varieties should be considered one language or separate languages, has not been systematically assessed; nor is much known about the sign language situation in other Balkan states.[4]

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the deaf have the same language rights with sign language that the hearing do with oral language. Interpreters must be provided between sign and Serbo-Croatian for deaf people dealing with government bodies, and government television broadcasts must be translated into sign language. A Commission for the Sign Language is composed of members representing education, linguistics/pedogogy, and the three constituent nations of Bosnia.[5] By law, Croatian Radiotelevision is to promote the translation of programs into sign language.[6] In Kosovo, sign-language interpreters appear on television newscasts.

^a Sign-language names reflect the region of origin. Natural sign languages are not related to the spoken language used in the same region. For example, French Sign Language originated in France, but is not related to French. ^b Denotes the number (if known) of languages within the family. No further information is given on these languages.